DISH Network(TM) Launches More Regional Sports Networks in High Definition.

Satellite Provider Adds to HD Programming for Sports Fans in More Than Half of U.S. Markets

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) and its DISH Network(TM) satellite TV service announced today the launch of two more Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in high definition (HD). With the release of seven HD RSNs just last month, that brings the total line-up of HD RSNs to nine and further strengthens DISH Network's position as the leader in HD programming.

The two HD RSNs, owned by Fox, are Sun Sports (DISH Network Ch. 372) that offers Florida viewers professional games and events in HD, and SportSouth (Ch. 381) that caters to sports fans and HD enthusiasts in the Southern region.

"DISH Network now has an extensive lineup of HD Regional Sports Networks, giving avid sports fans in select regions professional baseball, football, basketball games and more in high definition," said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network. "The result is that DISH Network continues to lead the market in HD programming and gives millions of new HDTV owners an excellent return on their investment."

DISH Network will continue to explore carriage of additional HD RSNs throughout the year to enhance local HD programming line-ups like SportsNet New York slated to launch this summer and Altitude which will launch this fall.

DISH Network offers customers an incredible value in HD sports programming including NFL Network HD, ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, Rush HD, WorldSport HD, local HD networks in 29 markets and now these RSNs that will feature game-only content in HD. DISH Network also offers sports and HD enthusiasts a digital video recorder (DVR) to record their favorite programming and exciting sports moments, to control their own instant replay by pausing live TV and rewinding, as well as the ability to fast forward through time-outs, halftimes and commercials using a 30-second skip feature.

Subscribers who sign up now with DISH Network can get an industry-leading HD/DVR, the ViP622 DVR, at no upfront cost and can select from exciting all digital standard definition (SD) and HD programming packages.

New and existing subscribers can sign up for DISH Network's DishDVR Advantage, an all-inclusive TV package with more than 200 all digital SD channels, local channels where available, a state-of-the-art DVR serving two TVs and free standard professional installation with no extra fees for one low price of $49.99. For only $20 more a month customers can customize their DishDVR Advantage plan with DishHD. The HD RSNs are available to customers who subscribe to DISH Network's America's Top 100 Plus programming with DishHD.

For more information about DISH Network, call 1-800-333-DISH (3474), visit www.dishnetwork.com, or visit your local DISH Network retailer.

About EchoStar Communications Corporation

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) has been a leader for more than 26 years in satellite TV equipment sales and support worldwide. The Company's DISH Network[TM] is the fastest-growing pay-TV provider in the country since 2000 and currently serves more than 13.1 million satellite TV customers. DISH Network offers a premier line of industry-leading Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) and hundreds of video and audio channels as well as the most national HD and International channels in the U.S., Interactive TV, Latino and sports programming. DISH Network also provides a variety of package and price options including the lowest all-digital price in America and the DishDVR Advantage Package. EchoStar is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 300 company. Visit www.echostar.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474) for more information.